First hand experience with Kimber Ultra Carry II LG?

[SRT1]

I really have to stay out of the local gun shops. I went in to check on current stock and ended up lusting after the Kimber Ultra Carry II with night sights and laser grips (factory kimber logo). I went ahead and put it on hold. I recently purchased a Kimber CDP II Pro, and love it. Figured I'd like to have the smaller pistol with the LG as well.
Anyone have first hand information on the reliablility? I've researched it and of course the usual mix of love and hate is out there, but many of the bad stories seem to be the "my buddy bought one and......" type. Being new to Kimbers I can only go off of my CDPII which has been great.
Would love to hear your first hand opinions, either good or bad on this weapon.
Thanks,
SRT

 

[skeezix]

I'm thinking about this one, too.

Hope you get some comprehensive evaluations on this little gun.

I have a full size Stainless Target and a Pro Eclipse II, and have been looking hard at the little 3 inchers for carry.

Lorin

 

[M2 Carbine]

The Ultra Carry was my second Kimber. I have 5 and 4 are Ultras.
Compact Custom.
Ultra Carry.
Ultra Eclipse.
Tactical Ultra.
Ultra Covert.

Truth is the Ultra Carry will do the same job as the more expensive Kimbers.

Friends and I have had excellent preformance out of our Kimbers.

 

[SRT1]

Well, that's one for the good column. I'm surprised that more haven't responded to the thread. I got the feeling that Kimbers were everywhere after visiting a few boards.
Thanks for the responses, I appreciate it.

M2 - Do any of yours have the laser grips? I have some crimson trace panels on a different weapon, but with the long side activation button that always seems to be on if the master switch is on, due to contact with whatever you're wearing (I'm a lefty if I have a choice). These drew me because of the different setup with the activation button on the frontstrap out of the way until you're gripping the weapon. Looking for comments on this too if there are any.

 

[M2 Carbine]

These threads make me want to go shoot the subject gun.
So I stepped out back and ran a handful of magazines through the Ultra Carry.

The wind is blowing pretty good from the right front. The first few ejected cases hit my glasses and forehead. I guess it was the wind.

The gun is definitely a nice shooting piece of machinery with good large sights and a nice trigger. I wouldn't mind if it was a pound or so lighter but for a defense gun it's probably about right.

This is the best target, with the other's having a couple hits just missing the black at 9 o,clock.
I'll blame it on the wind.

Considering the wind and my shooting the groups are at least three times larger than the gun is actually shooting. I'd say at 15 yards the gun would easily put all shots in a one hole Cloverleaf if the shooter was up to it.

 

[SRT1]

That's a nice group! Windy or not. Good job.

 

[M2 Carbine]

SRT1

M2 - Do any of yours have the laser grips? I have some crimson trace panels on a different weapon, but with the long side activation button that always seems to be on if the master switch is on, due to contact with whatever you're wearing (I'm a lefty if I have a choice). These drew me because of the different setup with the activation button on the frontstrap out of the way until you're gripping the weapon. Looking for comments on this too if there are any.

Yes, I'm a big CT laser fan.
My Tactical Ultra II has a CT laser. I had to remove the left hand thumb safety, but I'm right handed, so no problem.

The Ultra Covert II I recently bought came with the CT laser.
I like the front activation better than the side button.

This is a target of what the laser will do for you with a little practice.
I've been working with a timer recently to, it's an eye opener.

BTW, if you don't already have it, call Crimson Trace and tell them you want their (free) catalog and the (free) DVD, "Shots in the Dark". Everyone that uses or is thinking about getting a laser ought to see that DVD.
800 442 2406 Or you can order the catalog from their web sight.

 

[SRT1]

That's wicked. I like lasers and think they're invaluable in the right situations, but I always warn people against becoming dependent on them. I'm working with a guy right now who was enamored with the laser and couldn't hold or hit the broadside of a barn with regularity with the hard sights. The simple exercise of "Okay, we're going to run a scenario in which you've been knocked down, and your laser sight is plugged with mud" worked to show him why it's important to have a weapon that points well instead of relying on a laser that may be inop when needed. He started paying attention quite well after that little scenario.

 

[glockman19]

My Ultra Raptor II was/is a tac driver out of the box. It has had NO PROBLEMS what so ever. In 500 rounds not one FTF/FTE. Great gun. All but the Custom II have Night Sights and none have laser grips.

I have 4 Kimbers 2-full size, 1-Pro, 1-Ultra. Next will be another Pro & Ultra I have not decided on the model yet.

Congrats on your decision.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I practice several evenings a week with the lasers but I don't like to use them in daylight. Other than maybe using the laser inside during the day, I'd rather use iron sights.

The beauty of the laser in low light is you are looking at the target. When you light the laser you will see the dot without looking at it, you will almost automatically bring the dot to where you are looking without taking your eyes off the target. For me that gives fast accurate shots.

Outside in daylight, mostly I can't see the dot that well and it causes me to be very slow if I have to look for the dot and bring it to the target.
So personally I use iron sights in daylight and the laser inside or near dark.



I sight in my lasers at 25 yards. This way the bullet strike is pretty close to the dot from close up out to 40-50 yards.


It's fun trying different shooting like point shooting and laser shooting weak handed.

 

[Car Knocker]

FWIW, my Ultra Carry (pre-Series II) has almost 3,000 rounds of various sorts through it without a hiccup.

 

[Ala Dan]

I have a 3" Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry II, that has been 100% reliable right
out of the box; and with all types of ammo, including all major brands of JHP's.
I use it as my daily CCW piece, without hesitation~!

 

[SRT1]

I really expected some naysayers in here, but it all seems positive so far.
Thanks for all of the responses!

 

[tegemu]

After break in, it has been a great gun. It is one of my 2 carry guns.

 

[WARPARTY36]

I have the Pro Covert II and love it! The Ultra Carry II LG is on my list to purchase.

 

[SRT1]

That's funny, the pro covert is on mine. I think I'm going to have about every flavor of kimber before I'm done.

 

[tegemu]

I love my Ultra Carry II, minus the laser sight. It is my primary carry gun.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I've been plinking with my Ultra Carry since this thread started.
What a nice gun (I find myself saying that about a lot of guns )

I'd put a CT laser on it, but I've already got the CT on two Kimbers. Got to draw the line somewhere.

Yesterday I was shooting some 230 gr full load FMJ in it. It's got a little jump with that heavy bullet.


Just for interest, this is the Ultra (Tactical Ultra II) at 100 yards.
Haven't done any 100 yard shooting for a couple months.
Fun shooting.

 

[kwelz]

I had a hard time deciding between the Pro carry II and the Ultra Cary II. I finally went with the Pro Carry but eventually plan on getting an Ultra Carry as well.

 

[tactical_texan_chl]

This is my first post here. I'm also a member of Texas CHL Forum with the same name. First, I'd like to get this off my chest. My name is "TacTex", and I have a problem. I'm addicted to Kimber's. I got my first 1911, a Kimber Raptor II, about a year ago, and the 1911 thing has had me ever since, especially Kimber's. I recently replaced my CCW, a Glock 30, with a new Ultra Covert II. I couldn't be happier! I think the laser grips are great for what they are. But I can't stress enough that they can't be depended upon alone. You HAVE TO be able to shoot with iron sights too. Anyway, +1 here for any Kimber. Good luck with whatever one you decide to go with.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I'm addicted to Kimber's

I know the feeling.

About twelve years ago a friend brought two NIB Kimbers to the house.
He said I just bought these. Keep them for a while and let me know what you think.
As I remember I had never even seen a Kimber before then.
After shooting them several days I told my Wife, "I've never spent this much money for a gun but I've got to buy a Kimber".
Since then, that friend has bought several more, I've bought five and other friends and relatives have bought about 9-10.
If I had to grab a gun in a defense shooting I wouldn't hesitate using any one of those guns.


About the thread subject, the Ultra Carry.
Since this thread started I shot the Ultra Carry some more.
Darn that's a good gun. It preforms as well as any of my more expensive Kimbers.


Don't you hate it when you throw one out.

 

[ditch_dgr]

I bought an Ultra Carry II stainless a few months ago, it is my favorite gun. I carry it with me everywhere. I don't have a laser yet and can't decide whether I want one or not. The one thing I do wish I had on the gun is night sights, the factory sights are pretty hard to see at the range.

 

[Daddy4life85]

I know this thread is old but I've been getting ready to purchase my first handgun here for a little while now. Today I was looking and pretty much set between the Springfield EMP or the Kimber Ultra Carry II. I think I've made up my mind on the UC2. I was wondering does it come with the laser guide? On the website it shows it with the laser guide but it doesn't mention it in the description. On a few reviews I've seen it with and without depending.

 

[rnfmcd]

rnfmcd

I have a ucII and I have 500 rounds through it. The first 200 rounds I had 2 ftf around the 80th round. After that no problems. Very Happy.

 

[snakemanmike]

I have a Kimber Ultra Carry Stainless with night sights. I have shot hundreds of rounds of various ammo through it. I is a really fine weapon overall. It ahs digested every type of ammo without a single malfunction when using the Kimber magazines. You can use regular 1911 mags, which stick out of the bottom a little, but these frequently misfeed. The gun is well balanced, and the recoil is minimal, even though the the weapon is lightweight. It is very accurate at pistol ranges, and the sights are very good. Of course, it is very concealable, and easy to carry. I use a Milt Sparks inside the waistband holster.

There are only 2 negative, other than the price (which should be irrelevant when choosing a weapon on which your life depends)

1. The field stripping is very odd, a little difficult, and requires a tool. I am not sure why they modified the 1911 design in this way.
2. The finish, or metallurgy could be better. Even though it is stainless, it has developed spots of surface rust and stains on the barrel in spite of the frequent cleaning that I do.

Over all, it is an excellent choice, if you are a 1911 fan, which I am.